Mohun Bagan reach Federation Cup final

Shillong, May 14 (IANS) Mohun Bagan moved into the Federation Cup final with a goalless draw against Shillong Lajong FC in the second leg of their semi-final here on Saturday.

Mohun Bagan had crushed Shillong Lajong 5-0 in the first leg battle on May 8 in Barasat.

The home side, needing a big win to make the cut for the summit clash, began with an aggressive intent, but failed to create too many positive chances. They used long ball tactics, hoping to find their strikers near the rival goal, but the tactics did not pay off.

In the ninth minute, Bagan’s Trinidadian World Cupper Cornell Glen’s shot went wayward, and Yusa Katsumi’s effort two minutes later suffered the same fate.

Soon after, Shillong striker Bipin Singh failed to utilise a lovely ball sent to him by Zodingliana.

Shillong came close to scoring towards the middle of the session, but Konsham Chinglensana Singh’s header ballooned over from inside the six yard box.

A little past the half hour mark, Samuel Lalmuanpuia let loose a rasping shot after a combined move, but the ball went off-target.

After the break, Mohun Bagan scripted a brilliant counter attack, with Sony Norde outwitting three Arival defenders, and Yusa latching on to the pass. But his pass was squandered by Jeje Lalpekhlua.

The action shifted to the other end, as Bipin Singh’s 30 yard free kick saw Bagan custodian Debjit Majumdar fumbling. Shillong’s Fabio Pena made a try, but only succeeded in blowing the ball over the bar.

Some time later, Pena missed another easy chance, failing to tap into the empty goal, with Debjit having Acome off his line. The Brazilian’s shot only hit the goalpost and Mohun Bagan had a close shave.